Hi I have to take an exam which will test me on Indian History and World History. I have gone through your lists and wondered if you would qualify/modify them for a layman taking an exam.

For example I am drawn towards The Penguin History of the World by J M Roberts but heard that his style is overly twisted/pseudo-literary with no easy divisions. Similarly Romila Thapar seems to focus on the culture at the expense of the political changes-which is a break from Indian history that moves around dynasties, yet it doesn't feel comprehensive. Is Sumit Sarkar better than her? What do you think about John Keay's India: A History? I have heard that Norman Lowe, on world history is generally used by students here, but he is expensive. But I do want to get a good book, not some dumbed-down student version, so I am not averse to these very books if you feel they would be worthwhile.

The only book that I have decided on is The Wonder that was India. Thanks in advance!